When Microaggressions Directed to Learners Come From People with Dementia

Only available as part of a package

Session Summary: The goal of this session is to develop a better understanding of the dynamics and intersection of power, privilege, and vulnerability among teachers and learners and providers and staff commonly subjected to microaggressions by people with dementia (PWD) in LTC. Using real cases, we will start with a brief overview of microaggressions and implicit bias and unpack some of the underlying neuropsychology behind these behaviors. We will peer into the brain of the PWD to gain a better understanding of what else might be triggering the microaggression and other nonverbal stress reactions besides loss of filters. Through scripted role play, attendees will practice skills and a process to help them become advocates for BOTH vulnerable parties and address the microaggression in a way that attempts to prevent, acknowledge and mitigate the moral harm incurred while preserving the dignity of both the PWD and the receiver of the microaggression.

Learning Objectives: 

  • By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Define and understand microaggressions.
  • Name 1 or 2 strategies for responding to microaggressions by people with dementia in the moment.
  • Plan for how to protect and debrief with vulnerable persons such as learners, aides, people of color when they encounter a microaggression by a person with dementia.

Jamehl Demons, MD

Jamehl Demons, MD, is an associate professor of Internal Medicine/Geriatrics at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. She is a graduate of the Emory University School of Medicine and the internal medicine residency and geriatrics fellowship of Wake Forest. She states as her reason for entering geriatrics is to provide care to post-acute and long-term care nursing home residents. Dr. Demons is a past president of the North Carolina Medical Directors Association (now CPALTC) and is excited to begin her fourth year as the Co-Director of the Society’s Futures Program. She serves on the DEI taskforce and has helped plan its annual symposia.

Rollin Wright, MD, MS, MPH

Associate Professor

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center/Penn State College of Medicine

Rollin Wright, MD, MS, MPH is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. She is a geriatrician and clinician educator who develops curricula for and teaches health professions students, residents, and fellows in post-acute care, hospital, and memory clinic settings. She is passionate about teaching how to work with and improve the quality of life of people living with dementia.

Components visible upon registration.